...reveal the controversy and confusion surrounding fracking. These two documentaries are GasLand by Josh Fox and FrackNation by Phelim McAleer. Due to the many holes in GasLand’s logical reasoning, it is evident that FrackNation presents the better argument. GasLand is riddled with logical fallacies. Perhaps the most prevalent logical fallacy in GasLand is card stacking. Most of Josh Fox’s argument revolves around listing long chemical names and substances as a scare tactic. However, the audience is given no context as to what the chemicals are. This makes the substances appear to be much more toxic than they really are and can be misleading to viewers. Fox deliberately fails to acknowledge the fact that there is a threshold that draws the line between benign and hazardous chemicals. When this fallacy is uncovered by McAleer, Fox’s credibility is questionable and his contention is far less convincing. Josh Fox’s use of logical fallacies weaken his argument....
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...Gasland and Social Conflict Theory According to Karl Marx “in all stratified societies there are two major social groups: a ruling class and a subject class. The ruling class derives its power from its ownership and control of the forces of production. The ruling class exploits and oppresses the subject class. As a result there is a basic conflict of interest between the two classes.” Social conflict theory is a theory that reflects on how the more powerful groups use their power in order to harness groups with less power. The good example of the social conflict theory can be find in the “Gasland” movie directed by Josh Fox. There are three main theories of socialism: structural functional, social conflict, and symbolic interaction. The reason for social conflict being the best candidate for Gasland is because it shows how much power, wealth, and prestige the government can hold among the U.S. population. It showed real, heart-wrenching stories of normal, everyday Americans suffering consequences from fracking. Gasland addresses the environmental harm caused by fracking. Specifically, the film targets the pollution of drinking water. It also looks at the harmful health defects that will occur once animals and humans are exposed to fracking. This documentary relates to the political economy of neoliberalism. Josh Fox is the main character in the documentary, Gasland, who shows how gasoline companies benefit themselves by impacting other people’s daily life in an unsecure way...
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...Hydraulic fracturing- also known as fracking- is a controversial topic that has initiated many debates. “[Fracking is] the high-pressure pumping of water and chemicals deep into the earth to release oil and gas. It’s been implicated with water contamination, air pollution, health effects… [and] may trigger earthquakes” (McAleer 2013). Two documentary filmmakers assert contrasting points of view regarding the value of fracking. Josh Fox develops the opposing stance in Gasland, while in FrackNation, filmed in response to Fox’s movie, Phelim McAleer argues in favor of fracking. Though each film takes its own distinct style, considering each element of persuasion, McAleer’s approach was overall more effective and convincing. Josh Fox’s argument...
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...Fracking is an important action that is taking place right now in the United States. There are people who look at fracking as positive and there are those who look at it as being negative. “Fracking is the process of drilling down into the earth before a high-pressure water mixture is directed at the rock to release the gas inside. Water, sand, and chemicals are injected into the rock at high pressure which allows the gas to flow out to the head of the well” (BBC News). One of the many harmful facts that were mentioned in “Gasland” is water contamination. Not only could the water contamination caused by fracking lead to health issues, it could also lead to cancer, birth defects, and disorders of the nervous system. Being that the toxic substances are brought out during this process, our supply of water could be contaminated. Therefore, this possibly would lead to a mass sickness of the general population (Gasland). Fracking raises quite a few red flags...
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...Lameka Thomas C. Arena Outline Paper C April 7, 2014 Fracking involves the extraction of natural gas from underground layers of shale. Through high-pressure injections wells dug deep into the ground, water mixed with toxic chemicals is used to create fissures in the shale through which the oil is then retrieved. This practice has made America the largest producer of energy in the world, yet the industry has its share of critics (np). In the article off, THE WASHINGTON FREE BEACON “ Fact-Checking “. They talk about the movie Gasland Part II and the things they discovered while filming the documentary. The areas impacted by this are Texas, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and many more. Majority of the complaints are chemicals getting into the water of residents home and lands (np). Fracking is a growing industry that poses a number of troubling issues at the same time that it has increased American’s energy production considerably. 1. Topic Sentence: The Industry Defense talks about companies involved and what the future hold in the Industry. a. America's Natural Gas Alliance, Ardent is a privately held, independent oil and gas company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Marcellus Shale). b. America's Natural Gas Alliance exists to promote the economic, environmental and national security benefits of greater use of clean, abundant, domestic natural gas. c. The benefits of oil and gas development extend throughout the state in increased...
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...Research Based Argument Paper David Odenweller 05/04/2014 Welcome to the machine Hydraulic fracturing has become one of the key issues of our time, due to the important part it plays in our nation’s ambitions for a clean and sustainable energy future. Due to recent technological advances in horizontal drilling techniques, the vast natural gas reserves found within the shale formations underground in the United States have become easily accessible. Responsible development of these resources is believed to be key to a sustainable financial, and environmentally prosperous future for America. However, recent environmental and health concerns beg to differ, and question whether these new developments pose more of a threat to americans than they are worth. Nature sustains life on our planet. Humans have developed an organization of society that runs on machines. What does it take to run the machines that power our world? Our society also runs on money. So anything that plays into the running of our society must must invariably be tied to how it profits the people in charge of running things. How does it benefit us as a whole? This question is larger than the debate which this paper addresses, yet it is valid in that it is an overarching theme that drives the situation behind the issues within. A big part of what our economy has deemed is important in order to sustain the current level of comfort that we have been sold is largely based on non-renewable energy sources such as...
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...Natural Gas in the United States Katrina C National University February 4, 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………….3 History and Regulations…………………………………………………………………………...4 Formation and Resources…………………………………………………………………………5 Uses of Natural Gas……………………………………………………………………………….7 Extraction Techniques…………………………………………………………………………….8 Hydraulic Fracturing………………………………………………………………………………9 Gasland………………………………………………………………………………………..…10 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………….11 Natural Gas SWOT Analysis…………………………………………………………………….12 References………………………………………………………………………………………..13 Natural Gas in the United States Introduction The natural gas market is a topic that I had never given much thought. Prior to selecting this research paper topic the only knowledge that I had of natural gas is that it is an affordable energy source that was used by many families. Growing up in rural Louisiana my parents had a natural gas oven and heaters. My brother actually still uses the natural gas in my parents old home. My parents’ home now is totally electric and my mother complains about the utility bill and the slow cooking speed with electric. Those complaints seem so minute after learning about the dangers of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. When first giving the list of research paper topics, the worldwide natural gas market and fracking were not on my list of topic options. However, due to my procrastination on choosing one of my first...
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...The crack that could change lives, has been a conflict concern to the public. Hydraulic Fracturing(Fracking) is a method on how they abstract oil and gas to make an affordable source of energy. In the following documentaries FrackNation by Phelim McAleer and Gasland by Josh Fox, demonstrate different viewpoints on fracking. The individual with the greatest argument was Phelim McAleer due to using an excellent amount of persuasive strategies. In the movie Gasland Fox claims fracking has caused the water to be inadequate to drink due to the horrendous amount of chemicals in the water. Fox also claims that it is substandard to to the environment. Throughout the documentary he gives interviews to people on only his side. To make an excellent argument it involves the viewpoints of both sides of the situation. Fox’s way of persuasion is pathos.The strongest arguments provide all three of the persuasive techniques called Logos, Ethos, and Pathos. He played with the audience emotions and does not give accurate evidence to support his claims. Fox used logical fallacies like False analogy and circle reasoning. For example, fox says that fracking caused a huge increase in breast cancer in a certain area. With no valid evidence the accusation is a false analogy. Fox only swayed the...
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...Select an organization with which you are familiar, and identify an issue within that organization that would have both organizational and societal implications. In this essay I will identify what Crude oil Fracking is provide some issue/s within the fracing community on how certain societal implications where certain groups are protesting these organizations. That as any industry were the environment such as land, water, and mostly wild life is being disturb all for global oil domination. What is fracing? It is a relatively new type very new began in Ohio in 2011(OEC.org 2011). High capacity drilling were the main ingredients are sand, water and various potent chemicals. This concoction is infused at high pressures shale rock to break it open and release the highly volatile natural gas. So drilling companies can use a certain drilling process called “Horizontal drilling” to mine the oil pockets underneath. This this new type of drilling involves an enormous supply of fresh water and chemicals in which these fracing companies will not divulge what these chemicals are. All of this new technology is effecting nearby communities and small towns with at times toxic air discharges, water contamination and ecological concerns related to the disposal of the waste. With those concerns the Ohio Environmental Council (2011) temporarily stopping the fracing crews to do test on the public health risk. Soon after the U.S. EPA sent a study that the EPA conducted in December...
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...Hydrofracking in Marcellus shale: The Consequences of America’s Gas Rush Introduction Demand for fossil fuels in America has led to a flurry of unorthodox methods for the extraction of natural gas. Fracking or hydrofracking in the U.S.A has proven to be an efficient way of extracting natural gas from permeable rock. A new large scale hydrofracking operation has been proposed in the eastern states of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. This method of extraction is highly controversial, and is thought to have severe environmental and potential health consequences. This essay will provide further insight into the practice of Fracking in an area of shale known as Marcellus shale, and help to expose the environmental and human implications. What is Hydrofracking? Hydraulic Fracturing is an un-conventional process used in the extraction of gas in permeable rock (David 1973). A horizontal well is drilled into permeable rock such as shale and is injected with millions of gallons a high pressure fluid known as frac-fluid, this fluid is a mixture of sand, water, and an array of lubricating chemicals (Deutch 2011). The high pressure frac-fluid forces open fishers (cracks) within the rock which are kept open with sand granules; this allows pockets of gas to flow more easily from the shale (David 1973). Once the well is depleted all fluid that can be recycled is extracted, and the well is capped to stop any unused gas escaping (David 1973). The process of fracking is expensive and requires...
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...company called Global Crosspower Solutions. The film highlights recent and upcoming issue of fracking by questioning corporate responsibilities. This paper will discuss the environmental and corporate issues presented in the movie. “The Promised Land” focuses on fracking which is a process used to extract natural gas, this extraction is done by pumping gallons of pressurized chemically treated water into coal beds. This water then expands the cracks in the rocks allowing trapped methane to escape. The fracking procedures have been reported to contaminate water supplies and affect the health of local citizens and cattle. The controversy behind this procedure first snatched public attention after a documentary called Gasland directed by Josh Fox was released in 2010. Gasland follows Josh Fox as he investigates the issues behind fracking. He interviews family after family to paint a dreadful picture for the viewer. The take home message is very clear, the corporations specifically the oil companies show a complete lack of responsibility in the jurisdiction of citizen health. The citizens interviewed in the documentary are lied to about the safety of their water and given sums of money to avert law suits and public attention. The plotline therefore focuses on the environmental and corporate involvement in fracking. The plot begins with Butler getting a promotion for excelling at leasing farm lands for a value less than...
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...The relation between geology and medicine is quite intriguing and can be dated back to the times of Hippocrates and Aristotle. For centuries man has looked up to Earth for the numerous answers he seeks concerning his own body, an amalgamation of elements once sheathed in Earth. To his surprise man has found that geology is both a poison and remedy to his health. In my paper I present the two sides of the geologic coin in the world of medicine. The rocks below our feet can be deemed culprit for a number of health related issues. How many times have we heard that, ‘We are what we eat’? The source of human nutrition is cultivated from the soil. Farmers throughout the globe consider the soil as the source of their family’s bread, however dissolved material, both beneficial and harmful, get incorporated into the ground. Bunnell’s article, ‘Medical Geology: a globally emerging discipline’, discusses the “Endemic diseases correlative with soil deficiencies in selenium, the juvenile cardiomyopathy “Keshan Disease”, and the iodine deficiency disorders including goiter and myxedematous cretinism.” (Bunnell) Another area of geology I would be focusing on is groundwater; groundwater as we know is the largest reserve of fresh water to humans. So how can water something essential to human life be harmful? The answer is contamination. Contaminants in water, even present in trace amounts, can be deemed culprit for delayed brain growth, cancer and many other problems. As stated in Robert...
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...Most people cannot light their tap water on fire; however, Mike Markham from Weld County in Colorado did in the film Gasland (23:35). This may not be any more rare because of fracturing. Hydraulic fracturing, also referred to as fracking, is a highly controversial process in which shale gas is extracted from the earth by injecting pressurized liquid into a deeper reservoir to fracture rocks. This technique has been widely used by many oil companies in central and eastern states. While proponents argue that it is safe and is needed to reduce America’s greenhouse gas emissions, critics claim that it may be causing earthquakes and are contaminating water systems. Hydraulic fracking is a process that many companies use. “Put simply, hydraulic fracturing...
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...A big debate is brewing in the horizon’s! Has high volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF) also known as “fracking” actively destroyed, and polluted the air we breathe, and the water we drink? Even though hydraulic fracturing was patented in 1869 the procedure is relatively new to the eastern states, showing up in Pennsylvania around 2003 (Mrdjen, Igor and Jiyoung Lee). With the invention of HVHF the United States has surpass both Russia and Saudi Arabia in the production in natural oil and gas. So much so that the United States has been labeled as the world’s top producer of natural oil and gas since 2009 (Mrdjen, Igor and Jiyoung Lee). Hydraulic fracturing operations consist of drilling a vertical borehole to a predetermined depth. The borehole...
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...Elias T/TH 9:00- 10:20am Effluvium The perspective I have chosen is social-conflict theory. Society is not integrated, but actually full of unequal divisions. We have scarce and limited social resources, PWP (power, wealth, prestige). We are in constant competition for them and conflict is the result. The emerging social structures benefit some in obtaining or retaining PWP at the expense of others. Using this type of analysis in reviewing the documentary “Gasland”, directed by Josh Fox, we see firsthand how small rural communities were exploited and how Politian’s benefited themselves. In the begging of the film we see how these gas companies use their PWP to gain control of land. We discover that Fox’s land sits on a gold mine of natural gas. The gas companies offer to buy his land for $100,000. Fox refuses and finds that people are selling their land for a chance at some quick cash. However, what he finds is that these gas companies are contaminating their land and water with a process known as hydraulic fracturing(which uses over five-hundred different chemicals, most known to be cancerous to the human body), which starts to make locals in the communities incredibly ill. This begins to create conflict within the communities. So the gas companies try to break even with the locals by buying and installing water filters to clean their water. The filters do not work and this forces the locals into purchasing bottle water from stores, which is a huge inconvenience. But...
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